5 Step Guide to Study Abroad

You know you want to study further and you know you want to do it abroad. After all, nothing tops a fancy degree from a known college in the UK, US, or Australia. What you can’t seem to understand though, is how to go about it. Studying abroad can seem like an intimidating process and can in fact even become one, if not done right.

However if you follow the five simple steps listed below, you are sure to effortlessly reach your target university and complete the course of your dreams.

1. Consult

   Before you begin applications, it is very important to consult a known and reliable education consultant in Chennai. You may have a lot of friends and relatives who have studied abroad, you may even have excellent research skills but nothing can match the knowledge and expertise of a consultant, especially one who has been in the business for a few years. It might seem like an extra expense but it is in fact an investment for a secure future. A good education consultant in Chennai will not only help you pick the right college as per your aptitude, but will also help you understand procedures, make applications and appear for the requisite tests. Consultants often also help in planning your financials or giving you a heads up on the expected expenses and sometimes even help you connect with other students who are travelling to the same city.

2. Study

   Most, if not all courses need you to take exams or tests. These tests are sometimes generic or specific depending upon the college. How you score on the test is crucial to your application and acceptance and must not be taken lightly. Sometimes, even a college that is way out of your financial league may accept you on scholarship if you score extraordinarily well. Hence it is important to put in dedicated hours of study and give your best shot. Consult a worthy education consultant first and soon after, begin studying for the course you wish to apply for.
   
   

3. Apply

   Most colleges list their application processes and timelines online. If not, they can be contacted on email. Some colleges require a statement of purpose along with transcripts, while other require proof of work experience. Diligently follow timelines and put together a strong application as that might just be your only chance. A fabulous score along with a well compiled application can get you into even the most prestigious colleges.



4. Finance

   Although this should be looked at beforehand, the actual process of arranging finances must be done, soon after your applications have been sent. Most Universities will even want to know how you plan to fund your education. While a loan requisition can be shown as proof, make sure you use the time between application and actual admission to ensure the loan has been approved and taken. If not opting for a loan, make sure the financial source you are using is strong enough to not only fund your tuition fee but also your living expenses and a large chunk for unexpected expenses.
   
   

5. Pack

   After you have been accepted and you have made your choice, depending on how long you have, start packing. It’s not a fifteen day vacation, it’s a minimum if six months and you are going to need a lot more things than you can imagine. Moreover, clothes and food might be the least of your worries. Basic things like cooking utensils, medicines, toiletries, books, will need planning and sourcing. Also, you might be allowed only a certain amount of baggage on board so take ample time to figure out how your other things can be sent.
   
   
   While this five step guide is only a basic outline of what needs to be done, it is pretty much an accurate representation of the order in which you must do things when applying for studies abroad. It will not only help you be more systematic but will also help you keep timelines in check.

Summary 

This five step guide will tell you exactly what you need to do and when, if you want to study abroad.

10 Best Study Abroad Destinations for Business Majors

Even a decade or two ago, studying business abroad was only for the adventurous or the downright unusual. Today, it’s ever more commonplace. Why? For the simple reason that employers of all sizes are now looking for or rather fighting over – the truly overseas employee: the one who actually understands how business is done in key markets across the globe. Those who study abroad while they’re young have overseas experience before they’ve even reached the workplace. Already ahead of their competitors, they’ll be multilingual and have a good understanding of different cultures. Why Students Should Consider Studying Abroad? Any student, irrespective of his or her major, should snap up any reasonable opportunities to study abroad, which present themselves. Such experiences instill lessons with far more varied perspectives when compared to the ones touched upon in the classroom. Business classes particularly benefit from a munificent shot of multiculturalism — and one need not concentrate on overseas trade to get something out of it! Top study abroad consultants in Ahmedabad usually recommended these destinations for pursuing a career in business majors:

10 Great Study Abroad Locations for Business Students

1. Hong Kong, China:

   This Special Administrative Region is hyped as one of the best financial hubs in the world, and business students who share a deep passion for economics can come here to explore the laissez-faire capitalism.

2. Singapore:

   Believed to one of the four economic juggernauts of Asia, Singapore holds the top rank amidst the Ease of Doing Business Index. It houses one of the world's most dynamic ports besides being the fourth most affluent financial centers anywhere. Business students willing to step into the petroleum, chemical, electronics, biomedical or mechanical engineering industries have great opportunities to explore here.

3. Taipei, Taiwan:

   One of the "Asian Tigers" of business and commerce, Taiwan is known for its capital- Taipei; a thriving center. Despite the recognition of textiles and electronics, business students with different objectives may easily walk away from a spell in Taipei with some superb lessons and experiences under their belts.

4. Seoul, South Korea:

   LG, Hyundai, Samsung and Kia (among others) have their headquarters in Seoul. International banks such as JP Morgan, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and others have their headquarters here as well. However, political tensions with North Korea should be considered if you have plans to move to Seoul for higher studies.

5. London, England, Great Britain:

   London is believed to be the world's 5th largest economy and have the potential to brag about their country as one of the world's three most influential cities for business (others being New York and Tokyo). Business students willing to study here will unavoidably find something pertinent to their studies in London.

6. Milan, Italy:

   Milan is the central financial and business hub of Italy, and holds the 4th rank among the biggest economy in the European Union. Students and professionals flock here to bask in and hopefully learn from its countless successes in the banking, fashion, design, commerce and trade industries.

7. Tokyo, Japan:

   In addition to London and New York, this huge metropolis sports the world's biggest urban economy. It serves as Japan's prime economic, business, political and cultural hub. Knowledge of the Japanese language is not mandatory for students interested in pursuing a business major, since the city is set up to put up English-speaking visitors.

8. Mexico City, Mexico:

   Tagged as the 8th richest city in the world, it leads Latin America in finance as well as industry domain. Considering Mexico's tie-ups with NAFTA, overseas business students willing to learn more about trade and economics should absolutely think about grabbing any study abroad opportunities here.

9. Dublin, Ireland:

   Ireland's capital and economic center may be declining due to its Celtic Tiger days, dropping from the 2nd highest wages in the EU to the 10th. However, that doesn't imply this cosmopolitan city has little to provide the globetrotting business student. This is a particularly popular study abroad destination for those interested in the IT sector or business world. Yahoo!, Microsoft, Amazon, PayPal, eBay, Facebook, Google and Symantec all have set up their major offices in Dublin.

10. Dubai, United Arab Emirates:

    Though more globally renowned for its ambitious architecture experiments, business students know Dubai as a priceless education venue. One of Dubai's most exciting features is its conventional, industry-specific economic free zones. These areas egg on businesses to gather together in some areas in exchange for financial incentives, like tax breaks and minimal regulation. Pick a destination that suits your professional needs and pave a path towards becoming a successful business executive.

Summary

Read this article for insights on the top destinations around the world for a Business Major.

Preparations to Take Care of Before Going Abroad- Capitalizing on Summer

Summer break is the most awaited time of the year. As kids, it would be the longest school break between two years and now as you are about to go off to a university abroad, a crucial time during which you will have a number of things to take care of.

However, the most important thing to pursue this break is the do and do not’s of travelling abroad. This can help you chalk out an effective plan in order to prepare yourself for this time apart. Here are some essential things for you to check off your list as mentioned below: 

Setting an Effective Plan

Use this time in order to take some creative time off while you brainstorm on what you wish to achieve by pursuing a course abroad. This means clearly defining what your own personal growth and professional advancements will be after such a program. You need to ensure that this move can help you achieve the objectives that you set for yourself. Even if it is something as simple as learning a new language in a practical way and bettering the cross communication skill set, or something bigger such as conducting research, saying it out aloud can help you decide what program to follow more effectively. 

Keep a Track of Application Deadlines

Since you are going off to a completely different country, it is possible that their academic year might be different than yours. This is why it is important to keep a track of all the upcoming deadlines so that you can be sure your application is not rejected. 

Consult with an Educational Advisor

Study abroad consultants in Mumbai and other locations have answers to a number of student queries, making them an asset not only for the consultancy but also students themselves. You may be confused about a variety of things such as the best location for you to pick or the financial aid you are eligible for. Whether they are academic queries or other living condition questions, having a reliable and expert source assist you can make all the difference. 

Pick up the Phone

Do not be afraid to pick up the phone or write a mail to the universities of your choice. The best place to confirm answers is the source itself and hence talking to university representatives or friends pursuing courses in the same college are useful resources to tap. 

Have the right Documentation Ready

It is important that you have all your documentation such as application acceptance and visa in place. These may often take a while to come and hence must be taken care of in advance. You do not want to be stuck dealing with the confusion that follows without the right documentation in hand, plus it will also be a lot more expensive to sort out in a rush. 

Look up Scholarships and Government Support

There are a variety of factors such as funds, financial aids and scholarships that can ease the burden of a course abroad. The government of India offers different rates for educational loans for girl children compared to others, making a significant difference in the total costs. You may also be eligible for a number of financial benefits in the host country. Consult an educational specialist in order to learn more about understanding your eligibility.

Scholarships

While having a summer job or pursuing a course can be a great way to put a chunk of your time to great use, do not forget to embrace these moments and have a great experience. 

Summary

Follow our simple guidelines that can help you side step being knee deep in a course feeling unequipped and unprepared abroad.

The Consequences of Leaving your Study Abroad Program Early

A number of students aspire to study in a foreign location where they can go on to make it a memorable phase of life along with developing essential skills such as a global outlook. With the sheer number of opportunities and ease of financing, such dreams are becoming a reality for many. However, every once in a blue moon a student may realise that he has been craving the comforts of his own home, suggests an overseas education consultant in Ahmedabad. They may decide to leave the entire program itself without completing it. 

Why Leave the Program?

When faced with elements beyond their control such as a sickness or injury, or even a mentally disturbing experience can push students towards quitting. Often, it may not even be the student themselves but a family member facing tough situations that makes a student want to go back. This decision is not an easy one and hence must take into consideration the following before actually finalising on their decision:

Gauge the Homesickness

Before you cut this wonderful experience short, try and understand the cause behind your sudden withdrawal. Feelings stem from another thought or problem, and taking care of that situation may cause you to feel differently about leaving. If you miss home and cannot adjust to the new lifestyle, give yourself some time. Finding food similar to that you get back home or learning the local language may help you feel more involved in your new environment. While missing home is not a forbidden thing, you need to take into account the resources you would be wasting by not completing your program.

Academic Consequences

Before you actually up and quit the program, find out the academic consequences of such a decision. You may have to give up your credits if you wish to leave for a long time which will only add to your debt and delay your graduation date. Instead of actually quitting the program, find some alternatives such as an online course that can help you complete your course or transferring credits. This can help you get through without having a large scale impact on your academic scores. For those who have to reconsider staying abroad due to medical reasons may be able to obtain a way in which they can pursue the degree through digital modes as well.

The Financial Consideration

Make sure you are completely aware of the financial consequences of leaving the program early. Not only will you have to forgo the amount you pay in terms of tuition and fees, but even the financial aid package and such gets affected. You do not want to find yourself without a degree as well as debt.

Reaching Out for Help

There are a number of ways you can deal with situations without quitting the program. If you find yourself feeling depressed or lonely, join a self-help group, organisation or association where people in similar situations help each other out. You can also put your free time to use by volunteering or finding other opportunities. This will help you feel less lonely instead of leaving you with time to feel sad. Even after trying out all these methods, if you feel as If you cannot handle the pressure or must go back home, you could always take a class at a community college or look for local opportunities. Do not think of it as a failure as long as you gave it your best. 

Summary 

Studying away from home can be a tough and challenging decision. If you are feeling homesick or must go back home, here are some guiding tips to get you through these times.

How to Choose the Best Overseas Education Consultant?

If you are planning to study overseas and have decided to take the help of an overseas education consultant, then there are certain points to be considered. It is important that you capitalize on a suitable travel abroad program. To avail the benefit of such programs; it is necessary that you sensibly pick and choose Overseas education consultants in Coimbatore that can help you reach the targeted goal. Apart from helping students out with informative guidance; the overseas educational guide is supposed to take care of your travelling needs, the issues related to fees transfer and helping you get students visa. Following are the points that should be followed while choosing the overseas education consultant.

Know the credential of the consultant you are engaging

With endless number of consultants around, confirming the credibility of the consultancy is paramount. A bit of research on the net can be a great way to verify the experience of the consultant, back ground of its key personnel’s, recognition by international education bodies, awards received, offer letter and visa success rates etc. which all can indicate, how good a consultant is.

Expertise counts

One should not take any risks in the matter of overseas education. It is advisable to work with agencies with an excellent track record of placing students in countries and institutions, one is looking for. Familiarity with the country’s education system, grasp over institutions and program etc. Their competence, starting from admission processing to pre departure guidance etc. are highly crucial factors, one should consider while selecting a consultancy.

Look for variety

A full-fledged consultancy is sure to have associations with a minimum number of reputable universities and colleges and would display the document of association at their premises. The caliber of a Overseas facilitator is evident when they suggest programs most apt for a student in terms of budget, attitude, aptitude etc., rather than going out of the way to sell a particular institution, which is a sure sign that the consultancy is only interested in meeting their recruitment target and not securing your career.

Check if the consultant can generate alternative options

• Find out if the scope of options regarding country and choice of programs are comprehensive enough to help you generate alternatives.
• For instance, in case you're TOEFL or GRE score sheet is not good enough to ensure admission in some of the leading institutions; your consultant should be competent enough in helping you generate other options.
• Find out the relevance of courses from the point of view of global scenario.
• The assessment can be made if the concerned agency includes in its all-embracing fold the options for variety. For instance in case, your GPA score is not able to ensure admission to MBA course; a good educational consultant should be able to help you locate another course option

Transparency is the key

A reliable consultancy would be fair in its dealings. The information provided by them whether related to their associations, credibility of the institutions they represent, fees, refund policy etc. would be passed on to you. Look for warning signals like guarantee of offer letters/ admission, assurance regarding scholarships, internships etc. as these are purely based on your academic credentials. So stay clear of such agencies that are only here to rob you giving false promises.

Clients say it all

Clients bear testimony to how good a consultancy is. A satisfied student or parent is likely to speak highly of an agency and can recommend them to others. Look for such study abroad reviews, testimonials and recommendation, more the number of happy clients, stronger is their credibility . While choosing a consultant, make sure the consultancy fits into your budgetary needs. And last but not the least, it is important to assess if the educational consultant's fee structure falls within your means. Thus, a good overseas educational consultant not only guides you with admission; but also helps in respect of scholarship and placements as well. He or she should be a trusted source of information.

Summary:

Before putting in money and efforts into overseas education and hiring a consultant, one should choose the best consultant to guide for admissions. With the best consultant by your side, the work will get much easier.

MBA vs Msc in Business Administration – Which One Is Better?

An MBA as well as MSc are both considered to be ‘Masters’ level qualifications that are granted to students who possess a high-level of acquaintance in their domain of study. However, in spite the name, these programs don’t essentially engage management or science. Although both these degrees are postgraduate courses, there are differences between them in terms of eligibility, focus as well as personal development. If you are keen on studying a postgraduate business qualification, accepting these differences will help you select the most appropriate degree. Furthermore, you can always seek the guidance of abroad education consultants in Delhi so as to come up with some fair piece of advice.

MBA vs Msc in Business Administration

Difference Between MBA and Msc in Business Administration

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The MBA is an executive-level business course that has been exclusively designed for students with executive or management level experience. MBA degrees have been specifically designed to expand leadership skills and provide professionals the chance to formally recognize their business proficiency. The MBA is at present the most well-liked professional degree programme across the globe!

MBA degree holders are usually favored over other business qualifications as they are recognized internationally and as such are a branded programme within the world of academic world. An MBA qualification is immensely regarded by employers and in a survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) conducted in 2013 it was pointed out that, about 76 per cent of overseas employers said they plan to employ MBA graduates. This trend continues to persist even today. 

A precondition for studying an MBA is that applicants should have work experience, generally a minimum of three years course at a planned level. This creates a robust learning environment as students come from a wide range of industries and bring their unique experiences into the course. It is significant for students to have practical experience as MBA programmes need students to think deliberately and use work place confirmation within assessments. 

An MBA may be studied in a number of dissimilar formats. Many students may also choose to study part-time so they can continue with their work. Studying online is a suitable and well-liked choice for busy professionals. Advancements in technology imply that the classroom experience can be efficiently replicated online and this lures a global cohort of students. Undertaking an MBA full-time and with an international university offers incredible networking opportunities and connections within a few industries. 

MBA programmes have engaged in order to meet the demands of day to day business; most courses will concentrate on global business as well as global management challenges. Conventional MBAs offer a wide grounding in different business disciplines however there is also a series of specialist MBAs where students can major in an area of their choice. For instance, you can specialize in management, marketing, finance or HR, that allows students to stand out in their chosen field.

Master of Science (MSc)

An MSc business qualification is designed for applicants who have just started their career, or for graduates who are interested in pursuing higher level qualification before stepping into the job market. 

An MSc allows students to develop their awareness in a precise area of business. The syllabus will concentrate on developing analytical as well as technical skills instead of focusing on leadership and managerial.

MBA vs Msc in Business Administration- Which Degree Should you choose?

The answer to this question usually depends on your circumstances. If you’re already a knowledgeable business practitioner, then an MBA will merge your experience and may help you climb the career ladder.

Summary

Read this blog for a detailed insight on an MBA and whether you should pick an MSc course over it when moving abroad.
Looking forward for your point of view. please comment.

Guide to Living with a Foreign Roommate When Studying Abroad

If you are planning to study abroad, the first criteria would be to find a place for yourself to stay. You may think it is easy to get one- by surfing the net or by checking out pages of classifieds and choosing an apartment to stay in. Nonetheless there are other factors to be considered, like certain cultural norms that have to be abided by, in certain areas.

The following guidelines will advice you about sharing a room with a foreign student from a different cultural background.

Prepare Yourself First

Do your research about the country you will be staying in. Be aware of the laws of the land and know its history, custom and cultural background. Additional homework related to etiquettes, will help you to present yourself with the right attitude, making you more confident with the ways of the country. Follow blogs that contain information about the locales and the locality.

A clear idea of the qualities you are looking for in your room-mate, age-wise, gender-wise, his marital status, would help you to get someone with whom you would be comfortable sharing a room with. At least you will not have to regret later. Most importantly the locality has a very strong influence on the lifestyle of the city. Even if you are not familiar with the room-mate you are going to share your place with, an understanding of his cultural background and customs might help you to get acquainted with him.

Although consultancies like the foreign education consultant in Delhi are there to help you and guide you with their valuable tips, it is always better for you to get a first-hand experience by putting up at a local hostel initially and then looking out for a roommate until you find a suitable and affordable accommodation to stay in during your course span. This would help you to find a suitable room-mate for yourself. The few days spend in search for a proper stay-in and a suitable room-mate has its advantage in letting you know about the place and its people.

Knowing Each Other Better

The following are few suggestions to know your roomy better and to increase the camaraderie between yourselves:

• Watching a popular show on TV together
• Going out for a movie
• Cooking traditional meals at your place with each other’s help
• Calling in friends at home for dinner
• Decorating your new place jointly
• Learning from each other 

All these might help you to bond with your room mate.

Picking a room mate when Studying abroad

Either you can put up in a place with somebody who is a local or you can put up in a home stay, sharing the place with a family. You could as well learn the local language, their custom and tradition. Although some prefer staying all by themselves, still staying with a family is preferable as it will save you from becoming homesick. On the other hand, if your room-mate is not from that area you both can explore and survey the place together and checking out new hang-outs and places to visit. Not to forget working out the financial contribution has to be clearly done and demarcated right from the beginning.

One golden rule to remember is, to be respectful and patient towards your room-mate, his culture and his people. Give him the privacy and space he requires. At the end of the day you are there to study and only a peaceful coexistence with the people you are living in can help you in a smooth journey towards your goal.